aTransLife Matters:

Where your Transgender Life REALLY Matters!

The mission ofaTransLife Matters is to provide total, unconditional support while creating a safe place of empowerment.

Are you Transgender? – Female to Male (FtM) or Female to Male (MtF), Cross Dress, LGBTQIA – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Intersex, or An Ally Who Wants to Help? Do You Question Your Gender Identity or Feel You Have Gender Dysphoria?

We Provide a Safe Space If You Need a Gender Therapist For Individual Therapy, LGBTQIA Issues, Couples and Family Counseling or a Transgender Therapy Group.

Sara Fackelman –Board Certified in Gender and Sex Therapy and strictly adhering to the Standards of Care for WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health).

Hi and welcome to aTransLife Matters. I am so excited to have the opportunity to get to know you and have the space where you can voice your ideas and opinions. Working with the transgender community has revived my enthusiasm for the social action I exhibited in the 1960′s and 1970′s. Yes, I was a flower child and just wanted everyone to get along and love.

Was I naive? ABSOLUTELY!

Was change needed? DEFINITELY!

Was equality worth fighting for? A resounding YES!

Through the years, social action has remained an important part of my life, and while not perfect, I have always tried to do “the right thing.” As a coach and counselor, I have educated clients about the detriment of ignorance and the lack of prosperity that hatred brings.

So, how do I know, really know, about ignorance and hatred? When I was a child, a Navy brat, my father retired in a small rural community and segregation was the rule. Imagine my surprise when I went to the local dentist and saw signs for where “colored” people had to go (in the back, of course). It was at the tender age of 9 that I really learned about prejudice. This made absolutely no sense to me, and even when my parents explained about the haters of the world, I just didn’t get it. My brother was nearly beaten to death when he attended a local college because he was called a “jew boy”! While he was getting beaten up, I was preaching love at Woodstock.I could go on and on but maybe you already get my point.

At, aTransLife Matters, Sara Fackelman, a board certified gender therapist and sex therapist, provides many services of support by offering individual counseling, life coaching, couples and marital counseling, concerns regarding LGBTQIA issues, and counseling assistance for the family members, friends and employers of transgender loved ones. Private therapy sessions are offeredby Dr. Fackelman and she also offers monthly therapy and support groups as a pro bono service to her community. Support groups are held on a monthly basis in a safe and empowering environment. The Transgender Therapy Group held in Tampa and is specifically designed to support transgender FtM (Female to Male) and MtF (Male to Female) or those questioning their gender identity. An additional support group is held in Gulfport, FL office location as a space to feel comfortable asking questions and discussing issues related to members for support.

All of that negative energy could have been used to heal the world. So here I am, after all these years, now realizing the same hatred, ignorance, and dangers also exist in the transgender community. I am again ignited with the same passion I felt in the 60′s to advocate for change. I know that through my experience, knowledge, strength, and hope, I can work towards social change and help this amazing community. Thank you for your support.

“Therapy” Can Be a Scary Word…

Usually because f a lack of understanding as to what “therapy” actually is. Therapy is about working through current issues and making a plan for the future. Therapy helps you learn about communication, coping skills, gives you new tools to help you work through feelings of anger, betrayal, loss of self-esteem, confusion, and even the grief that comes with life’s changes. Therapy addresses issues that come with life’s challenges and transitions and can help you develop the qualities needed – the resilience required – to deal with these challenges and transitions in a positive way.

What Therapy is NOT…

While a brief look at the past may be helpful for understanding, therapy does not dwell there examining phases of life that can no longer be changed. My practice uses coaching as a process to move people forward in their lives. Coaching is concerned with RESULTS rather than dwelling on events of the past. The focus is on ACTION and on the FUTURE.

How Can I Help You?

Therapy is a process used to move people forward in life. It involves clarifying where you are now and helps you to identify what you would like to achieve, what you would like to have in your life, and/or who you want to be. When your family or your life is changing, going through this process is even more important. I can help you develop strategies and specific action steps to reach your new goals.

How Do I Get Started?

I offer therapy face-to-face, by phone, and by email. Between sessions, emails and brief phone calls are utilized for continued support. Sessions are completely private and absolutely confidential. To start the process, call me at 813.716.4264 and let’s see what we can accomplish together!